I’ve been running for about 6 years now and like everyone, I started out in running shoes. Since my husband and I both run, we like to share with each whenever we hear of something new, whether it’s gear, training programs, etc.
We’d seen people that ran in Vibrams / minimalist shoes, but we really hadn’t looked into it. Then we heard of a book called Born to Run and decided to read it. The book talked about running barefoot, how running shoes had changed the way we run and more. After finishing the book and talking about it we made the decision to switch to Vibrams for our running.
We purchased Vibrams, or 5 Finger Shoes, as you will sometimes hear them called, and haven’t looked back since. We started to break them in, trying to follow the recommendation to SLOWLY build your distance in the shoe, even if you are already a runner. The Vibrams change the way you run. Instead of heel striking like you are prone to do in tennis shoes, minimalist runners will land on the balls of their feet.
We learned fairly quickly that the transition was going to be painful! We went through weeks of hobbling around the house and up and down stairs with sore leg muscles and tender feet. We endured blisters until finally after a good couple months we had built up enough calluses on our feet where blisters weren’t an issue.
Another thing we loved about the Vibrams is that while they are not inexpensive ($100) they last quite a bit longer than your typical running shoes. Because the Vibrams are really meant for protection and there is no padding there is nothing to break down. You replace them when you wear a hole in them, which for me is about a year and couple months of wear.
I noticed my legs were stronger, I no longer had shin splints, and my time had improved. I have to say, after making the switch to Vibrams I am never going back to tennis shoes. In fact, in day to day activities I prefer to be barefoot or in sandals. Just wearing tennis shoes makes my feet hurt and I find it very uncomfortable.
And that’s how I got hooked on running in Vibrams. Stay tuned for what it’s like to run in the Vibrams. In the meantime….here are some keys to transitioning to minimalist running if you’re interested.
1. Realize and accept that it’s not for everyone
2. Take it SLOW, going too far to fast will only prolong the break in period
3. It’s important to be fit for the shoes in person because shoe sizes don’t automatically translate. Once you are correctly fit you can easily reorder online when needed.
4. Think about the type of running you do because there are different styles of Vibrams available. So do you research.
5. Check out Born to Run….it just might change your perspective.
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Article Author – Carrie Bryniak
I am your friendly Travel Professional with Kingdom Magic Vacations and a runner as well.  My first RunDisney Race was in 2010, the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay…and since then I’ve been hooked on Disney races and others.  Some of my favorites are the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, the Turtle Krawl 5K and the USA Beach Running Championships.  If you’re a runner and you need help with travel plans for a race, don’t hesitate to contact me!  I’m here to help you and support your efforts!
